Ever since I quit the dating apps 6 months ago, I have not regretted that decision at all. I’m not cut out for the dating app experience – for many reasons that I’ve written about previously. Plus, I’m ambivalent about dating in general. I’m not sure what I want or and what I am prepared to bring to a romantic relationship. That said, I’m not dead yet and I did enjoy the company of a few of the women I dated.
So I’ve kept my eye open for opportunities to meet women who I regularly see when I am out and about at the pool, shopping, and walking the dog. I found 3 possibilities – my 4:30AM girlfriend, the Girl In The Floppy Hat and the Water Aerobics Woman.
After seeing my 4:30AM girlfriend every morning for more than a year, we finally “met” one afternoon when we crossed paths while walking. I learned she’s a nurse. And she is married. Strike one.
Something similar happened with the Girl In The Floppy Hat. After months of passing each other while walking our dogs and exchanging brief greetings, I introduced myself and we had a short conversation. During the conversation, she dropped the “We” bomb. Strike two.
I have never spoken to the Water Aerobics Woman. I see her at the pool once a week, where she takes classes with a bunch old ladies and then swims laps afterwards. When she swims, she is absolutely beautiful. She glides gracefully through the water, never seeming to struggle or louder or waste an ounce of motion. I’ve yet to approach her because I haven’t figured out a way to do so that isn’t kind of creepy or would make things weird for her. After all, we’re both there for fitness, wearing our bathing suits and focused on our workouts.
Last week I saw her teaching a class. I’m not sure she’s my type since we’ve never spoken to each other. I can say that she’s never given me any indication that she is the least bit interested in me. In fairness, I haven’t dropped any hints with her either. I’ve never had the chance to even say hello to her out of the water.
My guess is that, like the other two women, she’s already got someone. But who knows? Perhaps I will someday, if the opportunity presents itself.
And if it doesn’t, that’s OK too. I love being single. I still love my wife. And I live my life. There’s no urgency for me to do anything.